No College? No Problem! New Law Lets You Earn a Degree from Work Experience!

Wazzup Pilipinas !?

On March 3, 2025, the Philippine government enacted Republic Act No. 12124, known as the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act, marking a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of inclusive and accessible education. This groundbreaking legislation enables Filipinos, particularly working professionals and individuals with substantial skills, to earn a college degree by recognizing their experiential learning and expertise acquired outside traditional academic settings.

A Paradigm Shift in Philippine Education

The ETEEAP Act represents a transformative shift in the Philippine educational landscape. By valuing practical experience and informal learning on par with formal education, the law challenges the conventional pathways to academic credentials. This approach acknowledges that learning extends beyond classroom walls, occurring in workplaces, communities, and through self-directed endeavors.

The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition (SKC), a prominent youth advocacy group, has lauded the enactment of this law. Ellirie Aviles, Founder and Board Chairperson of SKC, emphasized that the ETEEAP Act addresses longstanding inequities in the educational system, stating, "This law is a long-overdue recognition that learning happens beyond the four walls of a classroom."

The Role of Educational Institutions

Several Philippine universities have pioneered the integration of equivalency and accreditation programs, setting precedents for the ETEEAP's implementation:

Palawan State University (PSU): Since 2011, PSU has offered the ETEEAP, allowing professionals to attain degrees in fields such as Business Administration and Petroleum Engineering. This initiative caters to individuals seeking academic qualifications without compromising their professional commitments. 

Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System (PUP OUS): Established in 1990, PUP OUS provides nontraditional and distance education, offering programs that facilitate the completion of degrees through flexible learning modalities. 

University of Cagayan Valley (UCV): Deputized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in 2002, UCV offers the ETEEAP under its BS Criminology Program, enabling practitioners to earn academic credentials aligned with their professional experiences. 

Ensuring Effective Implementation

While the ETEEAP Act lays the foundation for a more inclusive education system, its success hinges on robust and inclusive implementation. SKC urges educational institutions, employers, and government agencies to uphold the law's principles, ensuring that all qualified individuals receive the recognition they deserve. This collaborative effort is vital to transform the law's promise into tangible opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.

A Call to Action

The enactment of the ETEEAP Act is a testament to the Philippines' commitment to educational reform and social equity. By embracing diverse learning pathways and acknowledging the value of experiential knowledge, the nation takes a significant step toward democratizing education. As stakeholders collaborate to implement this law effectively, the vision of an inclusive and accessible education system becomes an attainable reality for all Filipinos.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.